Brain tissue plasticity: protein synthesis rates of the human brain

Joey S. J. Smeets, Astrid M. H. Horstman, Olaf E. M. G. Schijns, Jim T. A. Dings, Govert Hoogland, Annemie P. Gijsen, Joy P. B. Goessens, Freek G. Bouwman, Will K. W. H. Wodzig, Edwin C. Mariman, Luc J. C. van Loon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

All tissues undergo continuous reconditioning via the complex orchestration of changes in tissue protein synthesis and breakdown rates. Skeletal muscle tissue has been well studied in this regard, and has been shown to turnover at a rate of 1-2% per day in vivo in humans. Few data are available on protein synthesis rates of other tissues. Because of obvious limitations with regard to brain tissue sampling no study has ever measured brain protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans. Here, we applied stable isotope methodology to directly assess protein synthesis rates in neocortex and hippocampus tissue of six patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (Clinical trial registration: NTR5147). Protein synthesis rates of neocortex and hippocampus tissue averaged 0.17 +/- 0.01 and 0.13 +/- 0.01%/h, respectively. Brain tissue protein synthesis rates were 3-4-fold higher than skeletal muscle tissue protein synthesis rates (0.05 +/- 0.01%/h; P <0.001). In conclusion, the protein turnover rate of the human brain is much higher than previously assumed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1122
Number of pages8
JournalBrain
Volume141
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2018

Keywords

  • cerebral protein metabolism
  • stable isotope methodology
  • neocortex
  • hippocampus
  • muscle
  • IN-VIVO
  • RESISTANCE EXERCISE
  • RANDOMIZED-TRIAL
  • MUSCLE
  • BASAL
  • IMMOBILIZATION
  • METABOLISM
  • INGESTION
  • INFUSION
  • KINETICS

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